Alright, everyone knows Thiago Alves is next in line for a title shot. No surprise there. But now Dana White has come out and confirmed that he is the next one in line for a title shot. Pointless? You bet. Here is the problem: why tell someone they are next in line for a title shot and then give them buffer fights in the meantime? You're basically imploring them to play it safe. I mean, look what happened to Fabricio Werdum. And Keith Jardine. And Karo Parisyan. Kenny Florian has fought twice since being told he was the top contender and will fight at least once more before he gets a crack at BJ Penn--if BJ ever comes back to lightweight. Three fights?! Granted, he performed well against Joe Daddy, but he knows that a loss will kill his title shot. Most of these guys can't afford to sit out and wait. They have bills to pay. If you don't fight, you don't eat, as they say. Honestly, this practice needs to stop. Tell them they have a title fight when you are ready to start signing the fight contract.
Re: Once again Joe Silva and Dana White announce a contender too soon I agree, it has produced some lackluster bouts. When it's announced the winner gets a title shot, they usually both fight cautiously and it's not a good fight. If the fighter has earned a title shot but takes a fight while waiting for his shot, he's cautious and prone to being upset by an aggressive fighter who has nothing to lose and everything to gain. I do see the issue though, as the media is asking who the #1 contender is etc etc and sometimes there is a long time if the contenders win, the champ defends his belt 2-3 months later and it's going to be another 3-5 months before they defend it again, ppl wanna know. These super fights and interim titles much things up as well. This is definitely an area where the UFC can improve though and I hope they do. I'm still dying for a tournament in one of the weight classes.. I miss the great tourney's PRIDE used to have. The ones in DREAM are kinda meh.
Re: Once again Joe Silva and Dana White announce a contender too soon If BJ beats GSP he'll probably want to defend both belts, but odds are he'll drop the lightweight one due to lack of competition. That could open up a lightweight tournament.
Re: Once again Joe Silva and Dana White announce a contender too soon Just in case Gonzaga was going to put on an entertaining performance against Carwin, now expect him to play it safe thanks to Silva and White, who have promised Gonzaga another title shot with a win. Kudos, jackasses.
Re: Once again Joe Silva and Dana White announce a contender too soon [update -- agai I haven't read anywhere else that the UFC confirmed this. Rather it's Gonzaga's camp saying it should be so. IMO it makes sense.. who the hell else is ready to face the winner of Brock vs Mir??
Re: Once again Joe Silva and Dana White announce a contender too soon [update -- agai Well it would seem Kongo is close to title contention as well, at least in his own mind.
Re: Once again Joe Silva and Dana White announce a contender too soon [update -- agai Fedor Sorry had to do it.
Re: Once again Joe Silva and Dana White announce a contender too soon [update -- agai I agree with giving Gonzaga another title shot, and Kongo is right behind him in the hunt. Those two are top contenders. Considering Couture doesn't take another shot.
Re: Once again Joe Silva and Dana White announce a contender too soon [update -- agai LOL didn't know I had to add "who is signed in the UFC" to my original post
